If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

There is a little red mat from an old bronco about 3 feet in front of the chair. its slides around when some of the dogs take off or come in and stop to fast. I'm to cheap to buy a real mat. So it kind of moves around).

Pete, I have done that with Indy for years! He is 100% steady when running from his mat with me throwing remote. Its only when he has me beside him the trouble starts. Hmmmm......wonder if that doesn't sort of point out the problem. And George, Pete does have a great manner and style with dogs.

My first thought was like many above: teething. My second thought was that maybe you are doing the retrieving too much and he is bored. How many times are you tossing a bumper in a single session? How many days a week do you do retrieving?
My suggestion. Train only a few days a week, not 5-6. In Hillman's dvd, Training a Retriever Puppy, he only trains him about every second or third day. Also, keep the retrieves down to about 3 or 4 per session.

I don't know what you are tossing but you might try a small paint roller as that will be easier on his mouth if he is still teething a bit.

[QUOTEPete, I have done that with Indy for years! He is 100% steady when running from his mat with me throwing remote. Its only when he has me beside him the trouble starts. Hmmmm......wonder if that doesn't sort of point out the problem. And George, Pete does have a great manner and style with dogs.][/QUOTE]

Carol
If that's the case may be you can blend back in with Indy,,,,starting out in the field and gradually moving closer until you can send with him slightly behind you.
I think it can work even at Indy's age. I worked a little bit with a dog this summer who had run to many events with not so good line manners,,, sort of like Indy is. In about a month I was able to work him from slightly behind me. His nose with the back of my heels. it didn't affect his marks what so ever
We double staked him and he didn't move a muscle until the last bird,,, but he had 5 no birds that day. So we were very happy, and he had a good 10 minute honor. (2 year old dog),, I think its worth working on. Indy is a nice dog,Pete

Pam
Being able to throw marks with out me coming back in all the time is a big plus. The most important thing to me about doing it like this is that I can teach cheating singles without breaking the dogs momentum. especially down the shore marks.
pete